Chapter 81

Chapter 81

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[Interstellar Competition! A Nation's Focus! The once-in-four-years Military Academy Competition is in full swing!]

[On the Scene: Reporters bring you updates on the competition venue's preparations, experience holographic live broadcasting!]

[Can the Capital Star First Military Academy defend its title and create a five-time championship dynasty?]

[The empire's grand feast - this year's Military Academy Competition, are you watching it with the same person as four years ago?]

"With the military school competition approaching, posts like these were numerous and overwhelming. However, the most attention was on the list of leading contenders."

"[Competition Fans Enter! Officially Released List of Contestants!]"

"Main post: Here it is, the freshest, most comprehensive list straight from the web. I’ve brought it over for everyone!"

"Just now, the competition officials released the information of all contestants registered. Take a look to see if you recognize any names or support any schools."

"[Long Image]【Long Image】【Long Image】【Long Image】"

"1l: Securing a spot in the front row. Can we have a public thread for race following? The atmosphere in the last few public threads was amazing. My favorite thing every day was to open it and see who was jinxed by the poison milk, wondering who will be jinxed this time."

"2l: Claiming a spot. Do we even need to choose? Just blindly bet on the First Military School of the Capital Star, you know what an invincible team is."

"3l: Wow, thanks to the poster for all the effort, so many images."

"4l: Can’t believe there are over ten thousand military schools participating, a total of seventy thousand contestants, double the number from last time... Can the Capital Star even accommodate so many people?"

"5l: Don’t you know? To provide a comfortable environment for the contestants, half of the participating teams will be accommodated in the palace this time. There’s no need to worry about lodging."

……

"45l: I knew it! The First Military School of the Capital Star definitely reserved a spot for Dong Kui! He’s an A-grade Omega in the healing division and only a freshman!"

"46l: What’s new? When has the First Military School of the Capital Star ever not had an A-grade Omega in the healing division? They’re the real elite, not like the other ordinary military schools."

"47l: If I'm not mistaken, the First Military School has won both the team and individual championships for five consecutive terms. Their combat division is strong, but the contribution of their healing Omegas can’t be ignored. They have no weaknesses. This time we can look forward to the performance of the newcomers."

……

"201l: I get annoyed seeing people brag about the First Military School. Can't they see the difference in the quality of recruits? The best talents are all picked by the First Military School, leaving the rest for other schools. It’s like boasting about a high-end mech defeating a regular escort ship!"

"202l: Exactly. Plus, every time after the military school competition, if any contestant performs well, the First Military School immediately tries to poach them. Many small planets end up with no high-grade Omegas left. How unfair is that?"

"203l: Speaking of which, Dark Star Military School does have a B-grade Omega in the healing division. But why didn't he participate? A B-grade healing Omega is pretty good. If he had joined, Dark Star Military School might have risen from perennial last place to second last, haha."

……

457l: "The B-grade healing division Omega from Dark Star Military Academy is in his second year, not eligible to participate. But I saw another healing division Omega on their contestant list; just don't know their grade."

458l: "Wow, so Dark Star, a place like that, has its fair share of healing division Omegas. Not sure if they're up to the mark though."

……

983l: "Wait a minute... when discussing the contestant list, could you please open your eyes?! Who said the Omega from Dark Star Military Academy is from the healing division? They're clearly from the combat division!!!"

984l: "What?! Impossible, a combat division Omega???"

985l: "Why does the name of the Omega from Dark Star Military Academy on the contestant list sound so familiar? I'm sure I've heard it somewhere."

986l: "It's Autumn! The same one who was all over the star-web recently, hailed as the only hope for curing genetic diseases!"

……

1532l: "What happened to discussing the contestant list? Why is an entire floor just talking about one person?"

1533l: "To the above, is it possible that no one can imagine there being an Omega in the combat division?"

1534l: "An Omega... signing up for individual competition... from Dark Star Military Academy... are they out of their minds…?"

Just a month after Autumn last became the focal point of the entire star-web, he reappeared in an unbelievable manner before all citizens of the empire—

An Omega, so delicate and seemingly fragile that a loud shout might bring him to tears, chose the perilous combat division, suited even for Alphas, and is representing Dark Star Military Academy in the military academy competition, even signing up for the individual event.

This completely defied the empire's preconceived notions. Everyone who knew of this news was dumbfounded, unable to fathom why such a delicate Omega would choose the most challenging and dangerous combat division, and how they would compete against a group of ferocious Alphas.

Indeed, while the healing division isn’t the only option for Omegas, and some do choose command or mecha divisions, these choices usually fall within safer disciplines. Almost no Omega opts for the combat division. To the empire's citizens, Autumn wasn't just forging a new path but was treading a road never walked before, blazing his trail alone.

Once the contestant list was published by the competition's officials, previously hot topics like championship favorites and betting on military schools faded away like pebbles thrown into the ocean, overshadowed by the news of "Autumn being a combat division Omega and participating in the individual event."

Suddenly, "Autumn," "combat division Omega," and "military academy competition" became the top three search terms on the star-web.

And in every related post, regardless of how lengthy the thread, the consensus was almost unanimous: Autumn was overestimating himself; there was no way he could survive the first round of eliminations in the individual event of the military academy competition.

Even Omegas from the same camp viewed Autumn's actions as reckless, with no one supporting him.

For the first time, the Alpha, Beta, and Omega factions, usually divided in opinion, were unanimously critical of one matter.

Alphas and Betas believed that Omegas should be protected and not choose the arduous and dangerous combat division. If the empire reached a point where Omegas had to fight to defend the nation, it would be seen as a failure and disgrace for both Alphas and Betas.

Omegas, on the other hand, thought that their kind should choose the healing division, wondering why any Omega would want to be with Alphas and Betas, often seen as foolish and malicious.

In conclusion, no one, regardless of their faction, had faith in Autumn's success.

Everyone was convinced that Dark Star Military Academy was indulging him in a make-believe game. Even if he had registered for the individual event, he surely wouldn’t survive the first round of eliminations.

As online discussions fermented rapidly, the Siku, after a week's journey in the cosmic route, smoothly arrived at the bustling capital star.

Even from a great distance, not yet within the gravitational pull of the capital star, the Alphas and Betas aboard the Siku could see a planet that could only be described with grand words like magnificent, spectacular, and awe-inspiring.

If one color were to describe this planet, it would be the metallic sheen of silver, with no greenery in sight. It appeared as if the entire planet was covered with towering skyscrapers reaching the clouds, the pinnacle of high-tech development, devoid of any vegetation.

As the Siku gradually entered the capital star, parting the swirling clouds, they could even see the tops of the buildings piercing through the clouds, seemingly close enough to touch. This illusion made the Alphas and Betas feel as if they were about to land, but when they looked down, it was still a seemingly bottomless depth.

For these Alphas and Betas from the impoverished and backward Dark Star, often referred to as the "land of exile," seeing the majestic capital star so close for the first time, none could suppress their emotions, and everyone was moved to tears.

This was a planet they knew only from the star-web and tales passed down. It was their distant, unseen empire. Their ancestors, branded as criminals, were exiled to a desolate world, forbidden to leave, and their vague sense of familiarity, buried in their blood, was fully awakened in this moment. Even without ever setting foot on this land, they felt a profound sense of returning home.

Figo even pressed a kiss against the glass cabin, his lips brushing the clouds unique to the capital star.

"'Since birth, I was destined to give everything for my country and people, including my life, blood, health, dignity, and freedom. Despite countless setbacks and moments of doubt, I never hesitated or wavered in my belief and choice.'"

"'This is my Capital Star, my Empire of Light to protect.'"

"He had dreamt of this countless times, and now, his dream had finally come true."

"The other Alphas and Betas were also so excited they were speechless, lined up and staring out the window, utterly fascinated, like young kids on a school trip, curious about everything."

"Queqiu, not being from this world and having no sense of belonging to this empire, couldn't empathize, but he understood that some human emotions are universal. So he didn't disturb them, standing up to leave the best viewing spot open."

"However, as he passed a row of Alphas with fluffy ears and tails, Queqiu couldn't resist the temptation and took the opportunity to stroke each one as he passed."

"Pleased with himself, his steps became lighter. But as he turned the corner and looked up, his relaxed expression instantly stiffened, and he coughed awkwardly."

You Buwei was known for being elusive, but surprisingly, he wasn't among the neatly arranged little animals. Instead, he was in this inconspicuous spot, with a smile that wasn't quite a smile, clearly having witnessed everything Queqiu had just done.

And he didn't seem to intend to let it pass so easily.

He lifted his hand to brush back his hair, revealing small tufts of black fuzz at his temples, round and ball-like.

"What a pity, I am You Sun, a falcon. My body is feathered except for this spot. Had I known the princess preferred fluffy animals, I would have sent a message to my Omega mother before birth, asking her to ditch my falcon Alpha father and marry a Samoyed Alpha or the like."

As he spoke, You Buwei invited Queqiu, "If you can handle the feel of a bird, I can also transform my wings."

He suddenly leaned closer to Queqiu, smiling, "If it's what the little princess desires, anything is possible~"

"...and with a shove, Queqiu finally uttered the first swear word he learned in this world: 'Pesky bird.'"

Autumn walked away without another word, unwilling to engage further.

You Buwei's pupils widened slightly, surprised that such a seemingly innocent person could also curse.

Undeterred, he cheekily followed: "If you like verbal humiliation, I can give that a try too."

Frustrated by his persistence, Autumn abruptly stopped, inhaled deeply, and used a line usually effective on Alphas: "Harassing an Omega can lead to execution by firing squad. You wouldn't want your head blown open by a bullet, would you?"

But he was dealing with You Buwei, not your average, face-saving Alpha.

Facing Autumn's threat, You Buwei raised his hands in a gesture of surrender: "I thought I was just courting the Omega I love, but sorry, it seems I'm being accused of harassment."

Autumn stepped back, treating You Buwei like a lethal virus: "Courting?"

"I do hope to marry the princess and have a cute Peregrine Falcon baby—though I know you prefer fluffy mammals over egg-laying birds."

You Buwei's flippant demeanor hardly seemed like a serious confession, especially compared to Morfa's formal, nervous, and cautious approach, making it seem like day and night.

Unsure if You Buwei was being sincere, but not wanting to lead him on, Autumn replied sternly: "If this is a joke, I don’t find it funny; if you're serious, I'm sorry, but I can't accept."

You Buwei gazed at him intently, his deep purple pupils shimmering beautifully under the light, like radiant amethysts, with a hint of mystery.

The atmosphere quieted down, and after a long stare, You Buwei suddenly smiled lightly, saying in a breezy tone: "Oh dear, seems I took the joke too far."

He clasped his hands together, adopting a mischievously charming demeanor, and approached Autumn, pleading cutely: "Sorry, princess, forgive me, don’t send me to be executed."

"…Bang—" Autumn mimed a gun, pressing it against You Buwei’s forehead and pulled the trigger without hesitation, expressionless: "You're dead."

You Buwei dramatically clutched his chest, sticking out his tongue and tilting his head: "Ah, I’ve been shot, I'm dead."

His uninhibited clowning around even managed to make Autumn, who rarely showed much emotion, burst out laughing. Putting away his mimed gun, he gave You Buwei a light kick: "If you want a Peregrine Falcon baby that badly, you can have one yourself."

With that, he turned and walked away.

You Buwei followed, limping exaggeratedly and muttering with a hint of grievance, "But that's only possible if I could actually give birth."

An Ran happened to pass by and reminded them that the ship was about to land and they should gather in the cabin. Seeing You Buwei limping, he asked with concern, "Injured?"

You Buwei immediately dropped his playful act, stood at attention, and reported seriously, "Reporting, instructor, it's a minor injury, won’t affect the competition!"

Hearing this, Autumn turned back to look at him, his brow slightly furrowed.

You Buwei met his gaze without any sign of guilt.

An Ran, oblivious to their subtle interactions, nodded and patted his shoulder, "You’re one of our key players. Try to secure a good position in the competition; it’ll benefit your future."

After An Ran left, Autumn coldly remarked, "You really are a natural at lying. But why aren’t you with Figo and the others in the cabin? They're thrilled to be here on the capital star."

Discussing this topic, Autumn couldn't help but feel that You Buwei seemed different, though he couldn't pinpoint exactly how.

But what exactly was different, he couldn’t quite say.

"I'm not like them. I neither like the empire nor the capital star, and I don’t plan to join the military after graduation," said You Buwei. "So, naturally, I don’t share their excitement."

Surprised by his frankness, Autumn asked, "Why?"

"Behind the glamorous facade lies filth and corruption."

You Buwei looked at Autumn: "Princess, you don’t think the entire empire is all light and goodness, with only Dark Star harboring evil and crime, do you?"

Of course, Autumn wasn’t that naive. Ever since he was treated like merchandise to be picked and chosen on the Elisabeth, he had realized that beneath the empire's apparent splendor lay countless flaws.

"He never expected that You Buwei's behavior would reveal a certain resentment towards the empire."

"Still deep in thought, Queqiu heard You Buwei add, 'Don't believe me? Just wait and see.'"

"What do you mean?"

"Just as he asked that, the calm, emotionless electronic voice of the Siku Star's system announced, 'Detected altitude under one thousand meters, preparing for landing. Please wait patiently.'"

"The ship is landing. Please do not move around arbitrarily."

"The ship has safely landed. Thank you for traveling with Siku Star. We wish you a pleasant journey."

"Best wishes to Instructor Anwei Ran and Chief Queqiu leading the Siku Star team for a successful campaign in the Empire Military School's Interstellar Competition. Siku Star looks forward to your triumphant return."

"The entire landing process was incredibly smooth, so much so that it felt like we were still cruising steadily."

"Queqiu glanced outside the window to see the landing pad suspended mid-air, surrounded by towering skyscrapers."

"Their ship, set against a backdrop of steel and water, looked as tiny as an unripe fruit in a tropical rainforest."

"Led by Anwei Ran, the seven competitors from the Dark Star Military School disembarked from the Siku Star, greeted by a massive banner: 'The Empire Military School's Interstellar Competition warmly welcomes all representatives, wishing you all the best in your endeavors.'"

"Ships like theirs continuously landed and docked, their signal lights blinking on and off. The surrounding floating pads, spread out like lotus leaves, seemed endless, interspersed with duty officers on airbikes, creating an organized chaos."

"The Dark Star Military School, well aware of the importance of appearance, had specially designed new uniforms for the team. Similar to the regular black uniforms used for formal occasions, these had added dark gold hand-embroidery on the collar and cuffs, tailored to fit each person perfectly, enhancing their dignified and noble presence."

"The Alphas and Betas, tall and well-proportioned with broad shoulders and narrow waists, looked strikingly handsome in their uniforms as they descended from the ship, a spectacular sight."

"Yet the most eye-catching was Omega, walking amidst them, revered and surrounded like the moon among stars."

"The tightened cuffs and trousers accentuated a neat and efficient look, highlighting his well-proportioned, straight legs. The dark gold embroidery added a touch of nobility, while the fitted waist emphasized Queqiu's slender yet strong frame, making it appear even more graspable."

"Despite appearing delicate and petite compared to the taller Alphas and Betas, Queqiu's excessively refined and beautiful face gave him a fragile air. However, the strength evident in his black-uniform-clad body, and the pure yet resolute look in his golden eyes, constantly suggested that he was more like a rose covered in thorns, splendid but not to be trifled with, rather than a vulnerable silk tree flower."

He seemed like a meticulously nurtured rose in a lavish garden, but in reality, he was a wild rose growing without anyone's care.

Autumn's beauty was aggressively stunning, dazzling to the point of being unbearable, capable of making the whole world lose its color in his presence.

In short, he was both incredibly beautiful and not to be trifled with.

Author's note: